Multi-purpose orthodontic bracket

ABSTRACT

A multi-purpose orthodontic bracket has first and second arch wire receiving openings formed therein, the first arch wire receiving opening being larger than the second arch wire receiving opening. An arch wire contact surface is defined over a minor portion of the width of the bracket and is in communication with the second arch wire receiving opening. A support is provided on at least one of the front and rear portions of the bracket for at least partially defining the first arch wire receiving openings, the support including at least a plurality of support areas distributed along at least a major portion of the width of the bracket for receiving and supporting an arch wire thereon. The bracket further includes a retaining pin receiving slot which extends substantially perpendicularly to the arch wire receiving openings. Further disclosed are retaining pin structures and a further novel bracket configuration which has an integral bent-up arch wire contact surface.

This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 959,671, filed Nov. 13,1978, now U.S. Pat. No. 4,242,085.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to orthodontic brackets and, moreparticularly, to multi-purpose orthodontic brackets which may be made ofmetal, plastics, ceramics, glass ceramics, or any other suitablematerial.

Orthodontic brackets which are in widespread use today are generallyeither light wire brackets or edgewise-type brackets. Each of thesetypes of brackets are suitable for specific orthodontic procedures.

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved orthodonticbracket which is a multi-purpose bracket which may be used as a lightwire or edgewise bracket to enable, for example, an orthodontist tocarry out a light-wire Begg-type technique and then proceed to anedgewise technique without requiring replacement of the bracket.

A further object of the invention is to provide such a bracket which isversatile, easy to use and easy to manufacture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, a multi-purpose orthodonticbracket comprises a rear portion adapted to be affixed to a surface of atooth, a front portion and an intermediate portion interconnecting thefront and rear portions. First and second arch wire receiving openingsare formed in at least a surface of at least one of the front and rearportions, the first arch wire receiving opening being larger than thesecond arch wire receiving opening. An arch wire contact surface isdefined over a minor portion of the width of the bracket and is incommunication with the second arch wire receiving opening. Support meansis provided on at least one of the front and rear portions of thebracket for at least partially defining the first arch wire receivingopening, the support means including at least a plurality of supportareas distributed along at least a major portion of the width of thebracket for receiving and supporting an arch wire thereon. A retainingpin receiving slot in the bracket extends substantially perpendicular tothe arch wire receiving openings.

In accordance with a further feature of the invention, improvedretaining pins are provided for use with orthodontic brackets having anarch wire receiving opening and a pin retaining channel therein. Theretaining pin comprising a shank for insertion in the pin receivingchannel and a member extending transversely of the shank and defining anarch wire engaging and retaining surface for engaging a rectangular archwire and for retaining the arch wire in the bracket with a predeterminedorientation. In a preferred arrangement, the transverse member includesat least a part rectangular receiving surface which has at least twosubstantially parallel surfaces extending from the shank at a givenangle whereby when a rectangular arch wire is received in the partrectangular receiving surfaces, a pre-torque may be applied to the archwire relative to the bracket.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a left side view thereof;

FIG. 3 is a top view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a bottom view thereof;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a pin for use in the embodiment of FIGS.1-4, as well as in other embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of another pin according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of still another pin according to theinvention;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of yet another pin according to theinvention;

FIGS. 9, 10, 11 and 12 are side views of modifications of the embodimentof FIGS. 1-4;

FIGS. 13 and 14 are side and front views, respectively, of a furthermodified bracket of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a side view of still another modified bracket of the presentinvention;

FIGS. 16 and 17 are perspective and sectional views respectively to apre-torque pin of the invention;

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of still another pin according to theinvention;

FIG. 19 is a side view of still another modified bracket of theinvention;

FIG. 20 is a side view of yet another modified bracket of the invention;

FIGS. 21 and 22 are side views of still further modified embodiments ofthe invention;

FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate pins usable in the embodiments of FIGS. 21and 22;

FIGS. 25 and 26 are perspective and side views, respectively, of ametallic bracket of the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a front view of a modification of the bracket of FIGS. 25 and26;

FIG. 28 is a side view of another modification of the bracket of FIGS.25 and 26;

FIGS. 29 is a perspective view of an embodiment similar to that of FIG.25, but wherein the dimples or projections are replaced by a groove inthe rear portion of the bracket;

FIG. 30 is a front view of a modified bracket of the present invention;

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of another bracket of the invention;

FIGS. 32 and 33 are sectional and side views, respectively of thebracket of FIG. 31;

FIGS. 34 and 35 are perspective and side views, respectively, of anotherbracket of the present invention;

FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a modification of the bracket of FIG.25;

FIG. 37 is a side view of a modification of the bracket of FIG. 33;

FIGS. 38 and 39 are perspective views of an arch wire locking pin andpin receiving channel, respectively, of the present invention;

FIG. 40 is a perspective view of another arch wire locking pin of theinvention;

FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a modified bracket of the presentinvention;

FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a modified pin of the presentinvention;

FIG. 43 is a side view of yet another modified pin of the invention;

FIG. 44 is a side view showing the pin of FIG. 43 installed in thebracket of FIG. 41;

FIG. 45 is a sectional perspective view of another pin of the invention;

FIG. 46 is a front view of another pin of the invention; and

FIG. 47 is a left side view of a modified pin of FIG. 46, which exhibitsa compound angulation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a first embodiment of a multi-purpose bracketaccording to the present invention is illustrated in the formparticularly suitable for manufacture in plastics, ceramics, glassceramics, or the like materials. The bracket comprises a rear surface 1which is preferably contoured to better conform to the contour of atooth to which the bracket is to be attached. The bracket preferably hasa plurality of holes 2 formed in the rear surface thereof so as toenhance the adhesion of the bracket to a tooth by means of theappropriate adhesives. The number of holes 2 may be varied. Instead ofholes, grooves or other irregularities may be formed on the rearsurface 1. The holes, grooves or other irregularities are particularlyimportant for direct bonding of the bracket to a tooth, but can beomitted when the brackets are secured with bands.

The bracket of FIGS. 1-4 further comprises an arch wire receivingchannel 3, the channel 3 comprising first and second portions 4 and 5,respectively. The first arch wire receiving channel portion 4 isparticularly useful for light wire type techniques and the second archwire receiving channel portion 5 is particularly suitable for use inedgewise treatment techniques or other techniques using rectangular archwires. A shelf arch wire support surface 6 is provided to separate thefirst and second arch wire receiving channel portions 4 and 5.

The first arch wire receiving channel portion 4 has a bearing surface 7which approximates a "point contact" which is required for using thebracket as a light wire bracket. The bearing surface 7 is the upperportion of a generally triangular bracket portion 8 which interconnectsthe front and rear of the bracket. The bulk of interconnecting portion 8is required to give the bracket suitable strength, especially when thebracket is made from materials such as plastics, ceramics, glassceramics, or the like. When the bracket is fabricated from metal, it isnot necessary that the connecting portion 8 have such extensive bulk.

The bracket further comprises an indentation 9 at both ends thereof foruse in tying an arch wire to the bracket by means of ligature wire, orthe like. When tying the arch wire to the bracket, the ligature wire isbrought under the bracket through the indentation 9 so as to bepositively retained relative to the bracket.

When using the bracket of FIGS. 1-4 as a light wire bracket, the archwire is dimensioned so as to fit within the first arch wire receivingchannel portion 4 and an appropriate pin, such as that shown in FIG. 5is inserted through the end portion 10 of the transverse slot 18 of thebracket so that the leg 11 of the pin 19 is received between the frontwall 12 of the bracket and the arch wire which is inserted into opening4. The top part 13 of the pin passes over the arch wire and thebent-down portion 14 enters behind the wire into the transverse slot ofthe bracket. The bottom portion 15 of the pin is bent over after it isfully inserted to retain the arch wire in the arch wire receivingopening 4.

To use the bracket as an edgewise-type bracket, an arch wire, such as around or rectangular arch wire, suitably dimensioned so as to fit intochannel portion 5 and so as not to fall into channel portion 4, isinserted into the arch wire receiving channel so as to rest on shelf 6.Shelf 6 extends substantially along the whole length of the arch wirereceiving opening 5. After insertion, the wire may be secured to thebracket by means of tying with ligature wire, or the like, or it may besecured in place by means of pin 19 of FIG. 5 or by special pins, suchas those illustrated in FIGS. 6-8. The pins of FIGS. 6-8 operatesimilarly to that of FIG. 5 in that their bottom portions are bent overafter they are completely inserted into the bracket to retain them inplace. However, the pins of FIGS. 6-8 have wing portions 16 which lieover the top of the arch wire in order to more securely retain the archwire in the opening 5 and to retain same against shelf 6 alongsubstantially the complete length of the opening 5. In this manner, thearch wire can be used for applying torquing, tilting, uprighting, etc.forces to a tooth in a substantially conventional manner. The pins ofFIGS. 6 and 7 are similar, except that the pin of FIG. 7 is fabricatedfrom one bent piece of wire whereas the pin of FIG. 6 is fabricated fromtwo pieces of wire which may be interconnected along the elongated legportions 17, or which may be separately formed and individually insertedinto the bracket.

FIG. 9 illustrates a modified bracket embodiment wherein the shelf 6' islocated in only one wall of the bracket and the first and second archwire receiving channel portions 4' and 5' share a common wall.

FIG. 10 illustrates a further modification of the embodiment of FIGS.1-4 wherein the tying indentations 9 are replaced with respectiveindentations 20, 21 at the opposite ends of the bracket, similar to themanner shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 illustrates a further modification wherein a notch 22 is formedin the rear surface 1 of the bracket to provide a further area for tyingan arch wire to the bracket, for example by means of ligature wire, orthe like. The tying indentation 9 of FIG. 11 may be replaced by thetying indentations 20 and 21 of FIG. 10, as desired. The arch wirereceiving channels 5, 4 may be as shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 illustrates a still further modification wherein a channel 23extends along the complete length of the bracket for the purpose ofreceiving a tying wire, or the like. The channel 23 extending throughoutthe complete length of the bracket may be replaced by correspondingchannels in the locations indicated by indentations 20 and 21 in FIG.10.

Holes, slots, grooves, or the like may be used in the rear surfaces ofthe embodiments of FIGS. 9-12 to improve adhesion to the tooth,especially for direct bonding.

FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate side and front views, respectively, of afurther modification of the invention wherein the arch wire receivingchannel 23 is oriented in an angular relation relative to the bracket.The complete arch wire receiving channel 23, including first and secondportions 24 and 25, respectively, may be angulated as illustrated inFIG. 13. Alternatively, the first arch wire receiving portion 24 (foruse as a light wire bracket may be oriented vertically relative to theremainder of the bracket, while the second portion 25 of the arch wirereceiving opening is angulated, as shown in FIG. 15. The angulated archwire receiving openings 25, for use as an edgewise bracket, may beprovided at any desired angle in order to provide a pre-torque to thearch wire for torquing a tooth. The arch wire may be retained in thearch wire receiving opening 25 by means of pins such as those shown inFIGS. 5-8, or a matching pre-torque pin 30, such as shown in FIGS. 16and 17. The arch wire receiving channel 31 of the pin 30 is angulated tocorrespond to the angle of arch wire receiving channel 25 of FIGS. 13and 15 so as to positively retain an arch wire against the arch wirereceiving shelf 26. The width "d" of bottom projecting portion 32 of thepin 30 corresponds preferably to the width of the slot 18 (see FIG. 3).This is to retain the pin relatively snugly in the bracket in thelongitudinal direction thereof.

If it is desired to use a smaller arch wire in the arch wire receivingopening 25, then a pin such as that shown in FIG. 18 may be used. Thepin of FIG. 18 is dimensioned so as to substantially fill the arch wirereceiving opening 25 of the bracket, the arch wire being dimensioned tobe snugly received within the arch wire receiving opening 33. The archwire receiving opening 33 may be perpendicular to the bottom leg 34 ofthe pin (so as to be usable with a bracket such as that shown in FIGS.1-4) or may be angulated to correspond to the angulation of arch wirereceiving opening 25 in FIGS. 13 and 15. The angulation of the arch wirereceiving opening may be different from that of the bracket arch wireopening--the pin retaining the arch wire in position. The bottom leg 34of the pin is bent over after insertion into the bracket so as to retainthe pin relative to the bracket.

The angulation of the arch wire receiving opening 33 of the pin of FIG.18 may be in any direction. The angulation may be single (in onedirection) or compound (in more than one direction), as discussed forexample in connection with FIGS. 45-47.

FIG. 19 illustrates a further modification of the present inventionwherein the side walls 47, 48 of the second arch wire receiving channelportion 45 are substantially vertical and the shelf walls 46 areangulated. The first arch wire receiving portion 44 is similar to thatshown in FIG. 2. In use, the embodiment of FIG. 19 can receive arectangular arch wire snugly between opposing walls 47, 48 and the archwire is retained in a substantial horizontal-vertical orientation to theretention thereof by vertical walls 47, 48. The bracket of FIG. 19 canbe used as a pre-torque bracket by using a slightly smaller rectangularwire which may tilt within the arch wire receiving opening 45 and lie onangulated shelf surface 46. A pin, preferably pre-torque pin such asthose shown in FIGS. 16, 17 and 18, is preferably used to retain thearch wire in a pre-torque condition against angulated shelf 46. Apre-torque pin can be used, of course, with a straight or angulatedbracket channel.

In the embodiments of FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 19, instead of pins to retainthe arch wires in position, the arch wires may be tied by means ofligature wire, or the like, similar to the manner in which rectangulararch wires are tied to conventional edgewise brackets.

FIG. 20 illustrates a further modification of the invention wherein therear wall 50 is higher than the front wall 51. The first arch wirereceiving portion 54 (for use as a light wire bracket) has an arch wire52 received therein. Instead of the arch wire 52 bearing against thebearing surface 57 of the bracket, a special pin 58 (shown incross-section in FIG. 20) is inserted in the pin receiving slot 18 ofthe bracket. The pin 58 has an upper arch wire retaining projection 59and a lower arch wire retaining projection 60 having a pointed uppersurface 61. A substantially pointed upper surface 61 of the projection60 of the pin 58 serves as the "point contact" for the light wirebracket. The internal bracket portion 8 (FIG. 1), 28, (FIG. 14) may bewidened and made bulkier in order to provide stronger connection betweenthe front and rear portions of the bracket so that a plastic, ceramic,or the like bracket may be stronger. Moreover, it is not necessary toprovide the approximate point contact 7 (FIG. 3), 27 (FIG. 14) since thepoint contact may be provided by the point 61 of the pin 58.

FIG. 21 illustrates a further modification of the invention wherein thearch wire receiving opening 83 has a first portion 84 similar to firstportion 4 of FIG. 2 for using the bracket as a light wire bracket, and asecond portion 85 for using the bracket as an edgewise-type bracket. Thebracket further has a shelf portion 86 which is angulated relative tothe horizontal. The second arch wire receiving opening 85 further hasnotch portions 87, 88 in the sides thereof for receiving an angulatedarch wire 89 (shown in cross-section in FIG. 21). The width of the archwire 89 substantially corresponds to the width "x" of the upper portionof the arch wire receiving channel 85. Therefore, when the arch wire 89is placed in the channel 85 in the normal manner, it will remain withits side walls vertical and its top and bottom walls substantiallyhorizontal. In order to provide a pre-torque to the arch wire 89, thearch wire may be forcibly snapped to an angulated orientation such asshown in FIG. 21 so that its left-hand upper corner snaps under theupper portion of the notch 87 and the right-hand lower corner of thewire is displaced into the notch 88. When the arch wire is released inthis pre-torqued condition, it remains locked in the pre-torquedcondition in the notch 87, for example as shown in FIG. 21. The notchesmay be substantially as shown in FIG. 21, may be pointed as shown inFIG. 22, or may take any other suitable shape.

The vertical walls of the arch wire receiving channel portion 85 ofFIGS. 21 and 22 may be made angulated, as shown in FIGS. 13 and 15.Retaining pins may be used to further aid in retaining the arch wire inplace, the retaining pins taking any of the forms previously describedand suitably shaped and dimensioned to retain the arch wire in position.

A pin of FIGS. 23 or 24 may be used to enhance retention of the archwire in FIGS. 21 and 22. When using the pins of FIG. 23 or FIG. 24, theupper notches 87,87' may be omitted since the pins, with inclinedsurfaces 80,81', will retain the arch wire in position.

FIGS. 25 and 26 illustrate perspective and side views, respectively, ofan embodiment of the invention fabricated in metal. In FIGS. 25 and 26,dimples or projections 90 spaced along the length of the arch wirereceiving opening 93 serve as the "shelf" 6, for example of FIGS. 1-4,on which the arch wire rests when the bracket is used as anedgewise-type or heavy wire-type bracket. The front portion 92 of thebracket preferably has a step 94 formed therein on which a heavy wiremay rest, similarly as in FIGS. 1-4. In some instances the dimples 90may be omitted and the step 94 can provide sufficient support for anarch wire. The step 94 may be omitted in favor of dimples 90, or bothmay be provided as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26. Alternately the step orshelf 94 may be stamped in.

As seen in a front view of FIG. 27, the dimples 90 on the rear portion91 of the bracket may be at different levels, so as to provide anangulated "shelf". The steps 94' may also be at corresponding differentlevels. As seen in FIG. 28, the dimples 90 may be on different levelsthan steps 94" to provide an angulated bracket similar in effect to thatshown in FIG. 19. The brackets of FIGS. 25-28 may also include notches,such as notches 87, 88, 87' and 88' shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. In themetal configuration, it is not necessary to provide as large a centralbracket portion 8 (FIG. 1), 28 (FIG. 14) since metal has sufficientstrength and resistance to breakage without the provision of such largeconnecting portions between the front 92 and rear 91 portions of thebracket.

FIG. 29 illustrates a further modification of the present inventionwherein a further step 95 is machined or otherwise formed in the rearportion of the bracket to substantially serve the same purpose as thedimples 90 of FIGS. 25-28. The shelf 95 may be machined in, for example,by a grinding operation on the rear portion 91 of the bracket. The shelf95 may be formed at the same level as the shelf 94 or at a differentlevel, similarly as in FIG. 28, or may be inclined to provide a similareffect as shown in FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 illustrates a further modification of the invention wherein aside wall 96 (see FIG. 25) has an integral tab portion 97 extendingtherefrom and which is bent around and upwardly as illustrated in FIG.30. The tab 97 has, preferably, a rounded or sharp upper end 98 whichserves as the contact point of the light wire bracket. The tabpreferably has a width "t" (see FIGS. 25 and 26) so that the tab 97 isas wide as the width of the channel which receives the light wire. Thisis a particularly advantageous construction since the complete bracketmay be made from bent metallic material as a unitary integral structure,since the end 98 of tab 97 will provide a highly desired point contactto provide improved results in the light wire orthodontic technique. Thetab 97 may be provided, for example, in any of the embodiments of FIGS.25-29.

FIGS. 31, 32 and 33 are perspective, sectional and side views,respectively, of a further bracket of the present invention which may beadvantageously machined or otherwise formed from metallic material, suchas bar stock. The rear portion 100 of the bracket has a shelf or ledge101 formed therein, for example by grinding the front portion of therear portion 100. The front portion 102 has a shelf or ledge 103 formedtherein which also may be formed by grinding, for example the samegrinding operation that is used to form shelf 101. The front and rearportions are interconnected by central connecting portions 104,105 whichalso serve as the contact points for a light arch wire when the bracketis used in the light wire technique. The upper surfaces of portions104,105 may be sharp or otherwise substantially pointed so as to providea better "point contact" for a light arch wire. Alternatively, one ofthe central members 104,105 may be made higher than the other andpreferably with a sharp or rounded point to provide a still furtherimproved "point contact" for a light arch wire. The bracket furthercomprises a rear opening channel 106 for accommodating a locking pin,such as those pins discussed previously or which are otherwise wellknown in the art.

While the front portion 102 is shown as being not as wide as the rearportion 100, it should be clear that the front portion may be madewider, as desired. Also, the width and height of connecting members104,105 may be varied, as desired, depending upon materials used and theapplication of the bracket. The ledges or steps 101,103 may be inclined,for example as shown in FIG. 27, or may be at different levels, forexample as shown in FIG. 28.

In fabricating the bracket of FIGS. 31-33, the bar stock may alreadyhave the connecting portions 104,105 formed therein so that the barstock looks substantially like an "I" beam. After the bar stock is cutin sections, for example along lines 107,108, a grinding wheel, forexample, can be passed in a direction into the paper in FIG. 33 tosimultaneously form ledges 101,103 and cut out the central portion ofthe bracket so as to form the light wire receiving opening 109. In asecond operation, the rear pin-receiving channel 106 can be formed by agrinding or other machining operation. The pin-receiving slot 106 may beformed in the bar stock before cutting into sections, after cutting intosections or before machining of the ledges 101,103.

Alternatively, the brackets of FIGS. 31-33 can be made by extrusion ofelongated sections which are later cut up into individual bracket. Theextrusion can be horizontally or vertically. In either case, latermachining is carried out to form the structural features which could notbe formed during extrusion. For example, vertical extrusion would resultin "bar stock" similar to that discussed immediately hereinabove.

FIGS. 34 and 35 are perspective and left side views, respectively, of anembodiment which is suitable for manufacture from stamped and bentmetallic sheet material. The bracket is a unitary, integral metallicstructure. The bracket of FIGS. 34 and 35 comprises rear portions110,111 which are integral with intermediate portions 112,113,respectively. Rear portion 111 is connected to intermediate portion 113through an integral connecting portion 114. Rear portion 110 isconnected to intermediate portion 112 with an integral connectingportion 115. A front portion 116 interconnects the remote ends ofintermediate portions 112,113 and forms the front of the bracket. Rearportions 110,111 are adapted to be secured to a tooth, either directly,or through the intermediate of bands or other interconnecting devices.Rear portions 110,111 may have holes therein, or the like, for "directbonding" use. The upper surfaces 117,118 of connecting members 114,115,respectively serve as the "point contact" means for a light wiretechnique. One of the edges 117,118 may be formed higher than the otherto improve the sharpness of the "point contact" and/or one of theinterconnecting members 114,115 may have a lower tab 119 which is bentupwardly to form the point contact surface in a manner similar to thetab 97 of FIG. 30. The intermediate portions 112,113 may have dimples orprojections formed therein to serve the purposes of the steps, shelvesor dimples previously described, and the rear portions 110,111preferably has similar dimples or projections 121 formed therein eitheropposing dimples or projections 120 or at a different level therefrom.The side view of FIG. 35 is enlarged with respect to FIG. 34 forclarity. FIGS. 34 and 35 are line drawings for ease of illustration. Itshould be clear, however, that the members 110-118 have thickness. Forexample, the bracket may be fabricated of a bent stamped piece of metalwhich is, for example about 0.015 inches thick. If thick metal is used,it is possible to grind a portion of the facing surfaces of rear portion110,111 and intermediate portion 112,113 to form steps or ledges, suchas those shown in FIG. 31, in place of the dimples or projections120,121.

In any of the embodiments of the bracket of the present invention, theshelf or step for supporting the rectangular arch wire or heavy archwire may be formed at the same level as the "point-contact" surfacewhich is used in practicing the light wire technique. Such an embodimentis shown, for example in FIG. 36. The FIG. 36 embodiment is amodification of the embodiments of FIGS. 25 and 29.

FIG. 37 is a side view of a modification of the bracket of FIGS. 31-33with the point contact surface 39 at the same level as the steps orledges 101,103. In the FIG. 37 embodiment, the ledges or steps 101,103preferably extend the complete width of the bracket. It should be clearthat the other brackets of the present invention may be appropriatelymodified so that the point contact surface and the ledges, dimples orprojection, etc., are at the same level.

FIG. 38 illustrates a modified pin of the present invention which hasserrations 130 on a lower surface portion of leg 132. The serrationspreferably engage corresponding serrations or a projection on theassociated surface or surfaces of a pin receiving channel 10 in thebracket so as to more securely retain the pin in the bracket. Pinshaving a serrated lower side surfaces 130, such as shown in FIG. 38, maybe made of plastic and substantially eliminate the prior requirement ofbending over the bottom of the pin after insertion in the channel so asto retain the pin in the channel of the bracket. The serrations 130 mayproject slightly from the side surfaces of the pin and may be slightlyoversized relative to the pin receiving opening 10. In this case, theserrations can be easily forced through the pin receiving opening 10 andmay "snap" over the lower surface of the bracket as the lower end of thepin projects out of the bottom of the bracket. This makes it difficultto remove the pin in the upward direction. The serrations may bereplaced by projections serving the same purpose or the like. FIG. 39illustrates a typical channel opening, such as opening 10 of FIG. 3,having serrations 131 therein for engaging the serrations 130 of the pinof FIG. 38. The serrations 130 may be on the rear surfaces 132, forexample of the pin and/or the side surface or surfaces as shown in FIG.38. Corresponding serrations or engagement means may then be provided inthe pin receiving channel. The pin of FIG. 38, after insertion in achannel, will be difficult to remove in the upward direction.

The pins discussed above in relation to FIGS. 38 and 39 may beconveniently removed by clipping the top of the pin off and then pullingthe pin downwardly through the channel in the direction of movementwhich is permitted by the ratchet or serrated surfaces, projections orthe like. Other roughened or engaging surfaces for retention of the pinin the pin receiving opening may be provided in place of the serrated orratchet-type surfaces illustrated in FIGS. 38 and 39.

FIG. 40 illustrates a further pin of the present invention having astabilizing projection 140 extending, for example, from the rear surfacethereof. The stabilizing projection may be received in, for example, aslot 141 formed in a bracket, such as shown in FIG. 41. The projection140 preferably snugly and frictionally fits within the slot 141 tofirmly lock the pin in position. This arrangement is particularlysuitable for use with pins which are narrower than the width of thechannel in which they are to be placed. This prevents the pin frommoving in the mesially-distal direction. The projection 140 andreceiving slot 141 technique can be used with any of the pins describedherein in any of the brackets described herein, in any combination. Theprojection 140 and corresponding slot 141 can be used in combinationwith a serrated or ratchet-type arrangement of FIGS. 38 and 39, theprojection 140 serving to prevent mesial-distal movement and theserrations or ratchet surfaces serving to prevent movement of the pin inthe longitudinal direction of the shank of the pin. Preferably, theprojection 140 is tapered so that its upper wider end 142 may be moreadvantageously received in a frictional engagement in the slot oropening 141 of the bracket. When the pin is fabricated of plasticmaterials, tight, frictional fits may be achieved due to the inherentresiliency of the plastic material from which the pin is made.

A similar slot 143 may be formed in the lower surface of the bracket,such as shown in FIG. 41, for engaging an auxiliary. The top notch 141not only also accepts auxiliary, but also maintains the pin in a fixedposition relative to the bracket, especially when the pin is smaller,for example narrower, than the channel in which the pin is received.

FIG. 42 illustrates a modified pin having a side projection 150extending from the leg 151. The projection 150 is received in acorresponding slot (i.e., slot 149 in FIG. 41) formed in the pinreceiving channel of the bracket, which slot may have a bottom surfaceagainst which projection 150 bottoms. Thus, projection 150 retains thepin at a predetermined relative height in the bracket and the pin iseven more positively retained.

FIG. 43 illustrates a further modified pin having an opening 160 at thelower portion of the leg 161 thereof for engaging an arch wire, or thelike. In use, the pin is inserted in the bracket, for example as shownin FIG. 44, with the lower end having the opening 160 therein extendingbelow the bottom of the bracket. The lower end of the pin is then bentupwardly so that the opening 160 faces the front surface of the bracketso that an arch wire can be engaged in the opening 160, for example bysnapping same into the opening 160 between the end 162 of the pin andthe front face of the bracket. It is advantageous in this embodiment toprovide a bracket with a lower slot 143 as shown in FIG. 41 so that thelower end of the pin may be bent upwardly through the slot 143 tofurther stabilize the bent up lower end of the pin. The opening 160 maybe used for engagement with auxiliaries as well as arch wires.

FIG. 45 illustrates a sectional-perspective view of a further pin of thepresent invention which is similar to the pin of FIG. 18, but whicheffectively presents an inclined arch wire receiving channel. The pinhas upper and lower members 171,172 which define an arch wire receivingchannel 173 therebetween. The end of upper member 171 has a downwardprojection 174 which deflects the arch wire downwardly in the channeland therefore effectively "inclines" the arch wire in the channel 173.The pin is shown in partial section in FIG. 45 and preferably hasextending members 171,172 extending to the left of the section plane byan amount substantially the same as that shown extending to the right.The channel 173 may be inclined in any other direction, as desired. Thepin of 145 effectively converts a straight-channel bracket to aninclined or angulated channel bracket. Rearwardly extending portion 175engages in the pin slot of the bracket so the extending members 171,172are in registration with the arch wire receiving slot of the bracket.

FIG. 46 illustrates a further pin having an inclined arch wire receivingopening 183, the upper and lower extending members 181, 182 havinginclined surfaces 184, 185, respectively, defining the inclined archwire receiving opening 183.

FIG. 47 illustrates a modified pin which exhibits a compound angulation(that is, angulation in more than one direction). FIG. 47 is a left sideview of a modification of the pin of FIG. 46, the arch wire receivingopening slanting upwardly to the right as illustrated in FIG. 46, aswell as being inclined as illustrated in FIG. 47.

As should be clear, the angulation of any of the pins of the presentinvention, and/or of the arch wire receiving openings can be insubstantially any direction to provide the desired orthodontic forces.

The various features of the different embodiments shown in the drawingsmay be interchanged and combined in any suitable manner to providebrackets specific to particular applications. Additionally, while theedges and surface connecting portions are shown sharp in some cases, theedges and the corners are preferably rounded or otherwise contoured soas to provide better protection from breakage due to chewing on objectsin the mouth, or the like, and to make the bracket easier to manufactureby molding techniques. Rounded corners and edges also increase thestrength of the bracket, particularly when the bracket is made fromplastics, ceramics, glass ceramics, or the like. Steps or shelves suchas 6,6', 94,95, etc. may be slightly rounded also, for example as shownin FIG. 36. Ceramic materials which may be used are those described inmy prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 932,290 filed Aug. 9, 1978,now U.S. Pat. No. 4,219,617, issued 8-26-80 , the entire contents ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference. Tie wire grooves, or othertie wire engaging means for engaging tie wires, elastic tieing orsecuring devices, may be provided on any of the brackets.

I claim:
 1. A multi-purpose orthodontic bracket comprising:a rearportion adapted to be mounted to a surface of a tooth, a front portion,and an intermediate portion interconnecting said front and rearportions; means forming at least one arch wire receiving opening in atleast a surface of at least one of said bracket portions, said arch wirereceiving opening having a predetermined width and extending betweensaid front and rear portions in a buccal-lingual direction; supportmeans on at least one of said front and rear portions and extendingtoward the other of said front and rear portions for a distance which issubstantially less than the width of said arch wire receiving opening,said support means including at least a plurality of support areasdistributed along at least a portion of the width of the bracket on atleast one side of said arch wire receiving opening for supporting anarch wire thereon, whereby when an arch wire having width less than thedifference between the width of the arch wire receiving opening and theextent of said support is inserted in the bracket it does notsupportingly engage said support means, and when an arch wire having awidth greater than said difference is inserted in the bracket it issupportingly engaged on said support means; and means defining aretaining pin receiving slot in said bracket extending substantiallyperpendicularly to the arch wire receiving opening.
 2. The bracket ofclaim 1 further comprising means defining an arch wire contact surfaceover a minor portion of the width of the bracket and in communicationwith said at least one arch wire receiving opening.
 3. The bracket ofclaim 2 wherein said interconnecting intermediate portion of saidbracket comprises at least a portion of said means defining said archwire contact surface.
 4. The bracket of claim 2 wherein said meansdefining an arch wire contact surface depends from said intermediateinterconnecting portion.
 5. The bracket of any one of claims 2, 3 or 4wherein said arch wire contact surface is substantially a point contactsurface.
 6. The bracket of any one of claims 2, 3 or 4 wherein saidsupport means is at the same level in the vertical direction as saidarch wire contact surface.
 7. The bracket of claim 6 wherein saidsupport means comprises at least one elongated ledge or shelf formed inat least one of said front and rear portions.
 8. The bracket of claim 6wherein said ledge or shelf is oriented at a predetermined angle.
 9. Thebracket of claim 6 including a ledge or shelf on both of said front andrear portions.
 10. The bracket of claim 5 wherein said support meanscomprises a plurality of projections projecting from at least one ofsaid front and rear portions.
 11. The bracket of any one of claims 1, 3or 4 wherein said support means comprises at least one elongated ledgeor shelf formed in at least one of said front and rear portions.
 12. Thebracket of claim 11 wherein said ledge or shelf is oriented at apredetermined angle.
 13. The bracket of claim 11 including a ledge orshelf on both of said front and rear portions.
 14. The bracket of claim11 wherein said support means comprises a plurality of projectionsprojecting from at least one of said front and rear portions.
 15. Thebracket of claim 1 further comprising means defining at least one tiewire engaging slot or groove in said bracket.
 16. The bracket of any oneof claims 1, 2 or 3 wherein said means forming said at least one archwire receiving opening comprises wall portions, a first wall portionbeing formed in said front portion of said bracket and a second wallportion being formed in the rear portion of said bracket.
 17. Thebracket of claim 16 wherein said wall portions are substantiallyparallel to the rear surface of said rear bracket portion.
 18. Thebracket of claim 16 wherein said wall portions are oriented at an anglerelative to the rear surface of said rear bracket portion.
 19. Thebracket of claim 16 wherein said wall portions and said support meansdefine a substantially rectangular arch wire receiving opening forsubstantially non-rotationally receiving and retaining a rectangulararch wire.
 20. The bracket of claim 19 wherein said wall portions andsupport means define an angulated substantially rectangular arch wirereceiving opening.
 21. The bracket of claim 19 further comprising aretaining pin having a shank adapted to be received in said retainingpin slot, said retaining pin having transverse extensions thereon, saidextensions extending on respective opposite sides of said shank in thelengthwise direction of said at least one arch wire receiving openingand on both opposite sides of said arch wire receiving opening tosecurely retain an arch wire received in said arch wire receivingopening.
 22. The bracket of claim 21 wherein said pin presents at leastone angulated surface for retaining an arch wire in said at least onearch wire receiving opening in an angulated orientation.
 23. The bracketof claim 22 wherein said pin includes an elongated arch wire receivingslot therein and defining at least a part-rectangular opening forreceiving and retaining a substantially rectangular arch wire therein.24. The bracket of claim 23 wherein said arch wire receiving opening ofsaid pin is angulated in a predetermined direction.
 25. The bracket ofclaim 16 comprising a retaining notch in at least one of said wallportions for receiving at least a portion of a rectangular arch wire forretaining a rectangular arch wire in an angulated condition in said atleast one arch wire receiving opening.
 26. The bracket of claim 20further comprising a retaining pin adapted to be received in saidretaining pin slot, said retaining pin having at least one angulatedsurface for retaining an arch wire in said angulated arch wire receivingopening in an angulated orientation.
 27. The bracket of claim 26 whereinsaid pin includes an arch wire receiving slot therein and defining atleast a part-rectangular angulated opening for receiving and retaining asubstantially rectangular arch wire therein.
 28. The bracket of claim 1,further comprising a retaining pin having a shank adapted to be receivedin said retaining pin slot, said retaining pin having transverseextensions thereon on respective opposite sides of said shank whichextend in the lengthwise direction of said at least one wire receivingopening and on both sides of said arch wire receiving opening forretaining an arch wire received in said at least one arch wire openingin said bracket.
 29. The bracket of claim 28 wherein said pin includesan arch wire receiving slot therein defining at least a part-rectangularangulated opening for receiving and retaining a substantiallyrectangular arch wire therein.
 30. The bracket of claim 29 wherein saidangulation of said pin is about the longitudinal axis of said first archwire receiving opening.
 31. The bracket of claim 30 wherein saidangulated surface of said pin is angulated in a mesial-distal direction.32. The bracket of claim 29 wherein said angulated surface of said pinis angulated in a mesial-distal direction.
 33. The bracket of claim 1,further comprising a retaining pin adapted to be received in said pinreceiving slot, said pin having engaging means at the lower end thereofand said bracket having complementary engaging means at the lower endthereof which is adapted to be engaged by said engaging means of saidpin when said pin is inserted in said slot, to thereby retain said pinin said slot.
 34. The bracket of claim 33 wherein said engaging meanscomprises irregular surfaces on said pin and bracket.
 35. The bracket ofclaim 1, further comprising a notch formed in the front portion of saidbracket in communication with said pin receiving slot.
 36. The bracketof claim 35 further comprising a retaining pin adapted to be received insaid pin receiving slot, said retaining pin having projection meansthereon adapted to be received in said notch in said front portion. 37.The bracket of claim 36 wherein said notch is a bottomed notch andlimits the penetration of said pin in said pin receiving slot.
 38. Thebracket of claim 1 further comprising a notch extending upwardly fromthe bottom of said front portion and in communication with said pinreceiving slot.
 39. The bracket of claim 38 further comprising aretaining pin adapted to be received in said pin receiving slot andincluding an elongated lower leg which is engageable in said notch. 40.The bracket of claim 39 wherein said elongated lower leg extends belowthe lower edge of said bracket when said pin is fully received in saidpin receiving slot and is bendable so as to be engaged in said notch.41. The bracket of claim 40 wherein said elongated lower leg portion ofsaid pin includes means for engaging an auxiliary orthodontic apparatus.42. The bracket of claim 1 further comprising a retaining pin adapted tobe received in said pin receiving slot, said pin having an elongatedlower leg portion which is adapted to extend out of the bottom of saidbracket when said pin is fully received in said bracket, said lower legportion being bendable upwardly relative to said bracket.
 43. Thebracket of claim 42 wherein said bendable lower leg portion includesmeans for engaging an auxiliary orthodontic device.
 44. The bracket ofclaim 1 further comprising a retaining pin adapted to be received insaid pin receiving slot, said pin having an elongated lower leg portionwhich is adapted to extend out of the bottom of said bracket when saidpin is fully received in said bracket, said lower leg portion includingmeans for engaging an auxiliary orthodontic device.
 45. The bracket ofclaim 1 wherein said bracket is made of bent metal plate-like material.46. The bracket of claim 2 wherein said means defining an arch wirecontact surface over a minor portion of the width of the bracketcomprises a bent-over metal plate-like portion of said bracket which isintegral with the intermediate portion of said bracket.
 47. The bracketof claim 46 wherein said bent-over portion extends from the lowersurface of said intermediate portion of said bracket and is bentupwardly, the resulting upper edge of said bent-over portion definingsaid arch wire contact surface.
 48. The bracket of either of claims 46or 47 wherein said intermediate portion of said bracket is integral withsaid front and rear portions and extends between said front and rearportions.
 49. The bracket of claim 1 wherein said bracket is made ofbent metal plate-like material.
 50. A retaining pin for use with anorthodontic bracket, said bracket having an arch wire receiving openingand a pin receiving channel therein, the pin comprising:a shank forinsertion in said pin receiving channel of said bracket; and a pair ofextension members at one end portion of said shank and extendingsubstantially transversely of said shank from opposite sides of saidshank in the lengthwise direction of said arch wire receiving opening,said extension members defining respective arch wire engaging surfacesfor engaging an elongated side wall portion of an arch wire received insaid arch wire receiving opening of said bracket on respective oppositesides of the pin receiving channel of said bracket.
 51. The retainingpin of claim 50 wherein said arch wire engaging surface extends over adistance which is substantially greater than the dimension of said shankin the lengthwise direction of the arch wire.
 52. The retaining pin ofeither of claims 50 or 51 wherein said extensions are laterally offsetfrom the plane of said shank which extends parallel to the longitudinaldirection of the arch wire.
 53. The retaining pin of claim 52 whereinsaid shank is generally L-shaped, said extensions extending from the endof the shorter leg of said L-shaped shank.
 54. The retaining pin ofclaim 53 wherein said pin is fabricated of bent wire.
 55. The retainingpin of claim 54 wherein said shank is fabricated from one integrallength of bent wire.
 56. The retaining pin of claim 52 wherein saidretaining pin is fabricated from a single integral member, saidextension members extending downwardly from the uppermost extremity ofthe pin.
 57. The retaining pin of claim 56 wherein said retaining pin isgenerally U-shaped and the end portion of said shank from which saidextension members extend.
 58. The retaining pin of claim 57 wherein saidshank comprises first and second elongated members adjacent each other,said extensions extending from respective ends of said elongatedmembers.
 59. A multi-purpose Begg or light-wire type orthodontic bracketcomprising:a rear flange portion adapted to be mounted to a surface of atooth, a front portion, and an intermediate arch wire contact portioninterconnecting said front and rear portions; means forming at least onearch wire receiving opening in at least a surface of at least one ofsaid bracket portions; support means on at least one of said front andrear portions for at least partially defining said at least one archwire receiving opening, said support means including at least aplurality of support areas distributed along at least a major portion ofthe width of the bracket for receiving an arch wire thereon; and meansdefining a retaining pin receiving slot in said bracket extendingsubstantially perpendicularly to the arch wire receiving opening. 60.The bracket of claim 59 wherein said support means is formed on asurface of said rear portion of said bracket and extends along the widthof said bracket at said substantially the same level as said arch wirecontact surface.
 61. The bracket of claim 60 or 59, wherein said frontportion has a width in the axial direction of said arch wire receivingopening which is substantially less than the width of said rear flangeportion.